Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at the new collaboration between colonial Williamsburg and Schumacher, and the world of Jane Austen now on Netflix. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
A Collaboration 80 Years in the Making
The storied town of Williamsburg became the capital of Virginia in 1699 and quickly became a stately marvel for the newly formed colonies. Named after England’s King William III, the city was built in a traditional English manner with classical portions, clean lines, and meticulously planned space. Home to great statesmen such as Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, the city fell into disrepair during the Revolutionary War and shortly thereafter was no longer the state’s capital.
Colonial Williamsburg, The Governor’s Palace
The decades following proved trying for the once gleaming capital as it remained largely left to the elements. It was not until the early 20th Century that industrialist John D. Rockefeller Jr. rallied to restore the town. He transformed the once forgotten beacon of our nation’s history into a living museum. With the aid of historians, architects, and numerous designers, buildings one by one were brought back to their full splendor with accurate interiors. Today, Colonial Williamsburg even brings on a designer in residence to further the influence of colonial interiors and historic significance. Notable interior designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas holds the reigns as the institute’s current designer in residence.
Since Colonial Williamsburg first went under renovation, the historic institute made a point to collaborate with American companies and tastemakers. Eighty years ago Schumacher first partnered with Colonial Williamsburg to create textiles inspired by the former capital. Now, Schumacher reunites with Williamsburg once again to bring us a collection filled with American charm and traditional sophistication. Entitled Homecoming, the collection has been brought forth by non-other than Virginia native and interior designer, Charlotte Moss.
In perfect fashion, Moss used historic colonial tidewater home, Westover, as her backdrop to display and experiment with the collection. And what a perfect setting! Take a look…
Jane Austen
Poring over images of Williamsburg and exploring Schumacher’s new collaboration reminds me of the inspiring world of Jane Austen. While the inception of Williamsburg was before the era of Jane Austen, the novelist lived and wrote from an England similar to that of colonial America. As a Jane Austen devotee I was quite ecstatic for the release of Persuasion on Netflix, a new rendition of the book and previously produced movie.
Released on July 15th, the film was less than stellar. Although, no matter the quality, competing with the original text of Austen is no easy feat. While I longed for the depth of narrative and emotion generated by Austen, I was enchanted by the sets. The Faye Brothers, who worked on the sets of Downton Abbey, The Romanoffs, and other sumptuous series, brought the world of Jane Austen to life. Formal yet not pretentious, perfectly pleasing to the eye yet not too done up, each scene felt aesthetically interesting and accurate.
But more than anything, while watching I kept dreaming of Jane Austen inspired interiors. Take a peek at some of my favorites!
Shop this weeks inspired TGP finds!
x Natalie
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I cannot get ENOUGH of the Schumacher/CW collaboration!!!
The movie has been widely panned. Why do they try to change or update material that is so widely known and loved? It’s sacrilege. The sets look good, but the costumes are all wrong. What a pity. It could so easily have been done right.
I enjoy your posts so much, and today’s was especially interesting! Thank you for making beauty and creativity available with just a click.
Jeannie Gillis
I just love your interesting and lovely posts and beautiful photos. It is a delight to read them! Thank you so much!
I’ve always loved the bold colors used in Williamsburg!
Tara
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